Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Historic downtown Orlando building listed.

• Jayden Daniels spotlighted at Commanders camp.

• A deep-dive into the life of Cora Crane.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."

– James Baldwin

Sponsored

10 Minutes a Day Is All You Need to Start Speaking a New Language

Lost in translation? Don't let language barriers hold you back! Babbel equips you with the essential communication skills you need to navigate any travel situation. 

From asking for directions in Tokyo to ordering delicious food in Rome, Babbel makes you feel confident and prepared. Take advantage of Babbel’s Birthday Sale and start your Babbel subscription for 60% off to unlock a world of possibilities!

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Orlando street is famous for its cultural festivals, diverse cuisine, and as a gathering place for community events and markets?

A) Church Street

B) Mills Avenue

C) Colonial Drive

D) Orange Avenue

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual event in Orlando known for its elaborate Christmas light displays, including a fully synchronized light show to music, is C) Night of a Million Lights.

News

💼Business

Winter Park weighs expanding times for Sunday alcohol sales. (link)

100-year-old building in downtown Orlando goes on the market. (link)

🏒Sports

Mild-mannered Orlando boxer Omari Jones eyes gold medal in Paris. (link)

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is the focus of Washington Commanders training camp. (link)

🏦Finance

90-acre I-Drive property near Disney hits market for $22.5 million. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Tampa Tarpons
Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
Tuesday, Jul 30th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

⚽ FC Series: FC Barcelona v. Manchester City
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
Tuesday, Jul 30th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 The Band Camino w/ Knox
Vanguard - Orlando, Orlando, FL
Monday, Jul 29th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 The Volunteers
Plaza Live - Orlando, Orlando, FL
Wednesday, Jul 31st | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Family

🧑‍🎓Family Fun Night
Semoran Skateway, Casselberry, FL
Wednesday, July 31st | 6:30 pm | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over Orlando” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Orlando Historical Events

Florida High Tech Corridor Establishment (1990s) - Promoting high-tech industries in the Orlando area.

The Florida High Tech Corridor is a regional economic development initiative that was formed in the 1990s to foster the growth of high-tech industries across the Orlando area, as well as the broader central Florida region. This strategic effort was a collaborative endeavor involving universities, businesses, and government entities, aiming to create a thriving ecosystem that could attract, nurture, and retain technology companies and talents. By leveraging the strengths of the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF), and the University of Florida (UF) as its academic anchors, the Corridor sought to promote innovation, research, and technological advancement, positioning Orlando and its surrounding areas as competitive players in the global high-tech economy.

The establishment of the Florida High Tech Corridor represented a significant commitment to transforming the region's economic landscape, moving beyond its traditional roots in tourism and agriculture towards a more diversified and knowledge-based economy. Key industries targeted by the initiative included information technology, photonics, modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T), life sciences, and aviation, and aerospace. By fostering close collaboration between academia and industry, the Corridor facilitated the transfer of cutting-edge technologies into the marketplace, stimulated job creation, and helped in attracting substantial investments into the region. Moreover, it initiated various programs to support tech startups, provided research grants, and enhanced the educational resources necessary for developing highly skilled workers suited to the demands of high-tech sectors.

Throughout the years, the Florida High Tech Corridor's efforts have contributed significantly to the growth and development of Orlando's high-tech landscape. The region has seen an emergence of a vibrant cluster of tech firms, research institutions, and innovation hubs that continue to drive economic growth and technological progress. The Corridor's focus on collaboration and innovation has not only made Central Florida more attractive to high-tech companies and talented professionals from around the world but has also set a precedent for how regions can leverage their unique assets to compete in the rapidly evolving global economy. Through these initiatives, the Corridor has played a pivotal role in redefining Orlando's identity from a tourist destination to a center of high-tech sophistication and innovation.

Famous People From Orlando

Cora Crane - A figure in the literary and cultural history of Florida, associated with Stephen Crane, and had connections to the Orlando area.

Early Years and Meeting Stephen Crane (1865-1896)

Cora Crane was born in 1865 into a world far removed from the literary and cultural circles she would later navigate with such finesse. Her early life, shrouded in relative obscurity, changed dramatically upon meeting Stephen Crane, the soon-to-be famous author of "The Red Badge of Courage". Their meeting marked the beginning of a significant partnership, both personal and professional, which would leave an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the late 19th century.

A Muse and Partner to Stephen Crane (1896-1900)

As Stephen Crane's companion, Cora played a pivotal role in his life and work. Her influence on Crane was profound; she was his muse, critic, and unwavering supporter. Together, they traversed the highs and lows of literary life, with Cora often managing their affairs with shrewdness and a keen understanding of the cultural landscape of the time. Their relationship was a storied one, filled with both passion and tumult, reflecting the volatile nature of the literary world they inhabited.

The Crane Cottage in Jacksonville (1900-1905)

Following Stephen Crane's untimely death in 1900, Cora found solace and purpose in Jacksonville, Florida. Here, she established the Crane Cottage, a literary salon that attracted writers, artists, and intellectuals from across the country. This endeavor not only solidified her position as a cultural maven but also highlighted her ability to foster a supportive community for creative minds. The Crane Cottage became a beacon of cultural and literary activity in Florida, reflecting Cora's vision and dedication to the arts.

Cora's Connection to Orlando (1905-1907)

Cora's influence extended beyond Jacksonville to Orlando, where her presence was felt in the burgeoning cultural scene of the early 20th century. In Orlando, she engaged with local writers and artists, hosting salons and gatherings that mirrored her efforts in Jacksonville. Her ability to connect people and ideas made her a key figure in the cultural development of the Orlando area, influencing its literary and artistic communities in ways that would have lasting impacts.

A Literary Figure in Her Own Right (1907-1910)

In the latter years of her life, Cora began to emerge as a literary figure in her own right. Drawing from her experiences and the world around her, she penned works that reflected her insights into human nature and the complexities of life. Though not as widely recognized as her contemporaries, her contributions to literature and culture were significant, showcasing her talents and further establishing her legacy in the cultural history of Florida.

The Legacy of Cora and Stephen Crane (1910 and Beyond)

Following Cora's death in 1910, the legacy of her and Stephen's contributions to literature and culture continued to grow. Their lives and works became subjects of academic study, and the story of their partnership offered insights into the literary world of their time. The Crane Cottage in Jacksonville stood as a testament to their influence, serving as a reminder of their impact on the cultural and literary landscape of Florida.

Key Achievements of Cora Crane:

• Served as a muse and critical partner to Stephen Crane, influencing one of the prominent literary figures of the late 19th century.

• Managed the Crane Cottage in Jacksonville, creating a prominent literary salon that attracted writers, artists, and intellectuals, thereby nurturing a cultural community in Florida.

• Played a pivotal role in the cultural development of the Orlando area through her engagement with local artistic communities.

• Emerged as a literary figure in her own right, with works that offered unique perspectives and insights.

• Contributed significantly to the cultural and literary history of Florida, leaving a legacy that continues to be studied and celebrated.

Cora Crane's story is one of resilience, intellect, and cultural influence. Her contributions to the literary and cultural scenes in Florida, particularly through the Crane Cottage in Jacksonville and her engagement in Orlando, left a lasting legacy. Alongside Stephen Crane, she navigated a complex cultural landscape, becoming a central figure in the state's literary history. Her life and work reflect a profound dedication to the arts, making her story an enduring part of Florida's cultural heritage.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Poll